CHENNAI: BJP state president K Annamalai on Friday unleashed an attack on IUML MP of Ramanathapuram Navaskani, demanding his immediate resignation for allegedly consuming non-vegetarian food at the sacred Tiruparankundram Subramanya Swamy Temple.

The controversy erupted after Navaskani shared a photograph on social media depicting him and his supporters partaking in a non-vegetarian meal on the temple premises.

Annamalai denounced Navaskani's actions in a statement, describing it as a "deliberate attempt to hurt the sentiments of the Tamil people and the Hindu community."

He argued that the parliamentarian's behaviour was a flagrant violation of the country's sovereignty and unity, which he swore to uphold when taking oath as a Member of Parliament.

"Navaskani's actions are a slap in the face of the Hindu community, and his subsequent admission that his supporters consumed non-vegetarian food on the temple hill is a damning indictment of his character," the BJP leader charged.

He pointed out that Navaskani's initial response to the criticism was to claim that he would resign if it were proven that he had eaten non-vegetarian food on the temple hill.

"However, in a subsequent video statement, the MP admitted that his supporters had indeed consumed non-vegetarian food on the premises. This brazen admission clearly indicates that Navaskani has no regard for the people's sentiments or the temple's sanctity," Annamalai said, demanding that the MP tender his resignation forthwith.

The BJP president also urged Navaskani to issue a public apology for the alleged act.